Not You

Firebrook Valley #1

by Ruth Cardello

One small town. Two powerful families. Thirty years of bad blood.
New York Times bestselling author Ruth Cardello returns to her billionaire world-building with the first book in the Firebrook Valley series. Get ready for a high-stakes, forced-proximity romance and a town you'll want to return to over and over again.


Was her goal to intimidate me? Is that why she called for a meeting here, in Boston, at this dusty, old-world exclusive club? If so, she doesn’t know me as well as she thinks she does.
I’m the “find out” part of FAFO.
And I’m only here because she said she needed help with a matter regarding my sister.
They say, "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer."
How close is too close? I’m willing to test that limit.


My family calls me “the fixer”, but I’m at a loss this time. It probably wasn’t a good idea to ask for help from the son of the man my father has been openly trying to destroy for decades.
But desperate times call for desperate measures.
Is Drew Burke hot? Yes.
Surprisingly willing to help me? Also yes.
My plan to save both of our families from imploding relies on us working together.
This wasn’t supposed to lead to us tangled up in each other’s lives, waking up in each other’s beds.
And, so far, it’s not making the situation better.
Because in Firebrook Valley, the only thing worse than working with the son of your family’s rival is falling in love with him.

Genres: Romance

301 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 11, 2026

About the author

Ruth Cardello hit the NYTs and USA Today for the first time back in 2012. Millions of sales are evidence that her books are akin to potato chips, addictive from the first one. She has created a multi-series billionaire world with a combination of escapism and realism that has gained her a faithful following of readers.

What Kindle Reviewers write about her:

"Wow hot at every page. Heart stoping, fear raging, mind blowing wonderful."

"I'm a true fan of Ms. Cardello. I ran on to her first book a few years back and have been hooked ever since. I could go on and on about the story like of this book, but I'm not. All of her books are total page turners, unique, heart wrenching, and I love them all. There isn't two alike in the bunch and I feel like i know the characters personally. I personally read 97 authors books. And I buy every book they put out. This author is in my top 10. Great job and keep them coming."

"Love this series. Got me to start reading again. I look forward to the next book. Thank you for giving me the love of reading back."

Ruth Cardello was born the youngest of 11 children in a small city in northern Rhode Island. She spent her young adult years moving as far away as she could from her large extended family. She lived in Boston, Paris, Orlando, New York--then came full circle and moved back to New England. She now happily lives one town over from the one she was born in. For her, family trumped the warmer weather and international scene.

She was an educator for 20 years, the last 11 as a kindergarten teacher. When her school district began cutting jobs, Ruth turned a serious eye toward her second love- writing and has never been happier. When she's not writing, you can find her chasing her children around her small farm or connecting with her readers online.

Email Notice of New Releases: www.RuthCardello.com/Signup

You can find her on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/RuthCardello

Follow her at Twitter @RuthieCardello

If you'd like to email her directly, you may contact her via her website: www.ruthcardello.com

Lone Star Burn Series
Book 1: Taken, Not Spurred
Book 2: Tycoon Takedown
Book 3: Taken Home
Book 4: Taking Charge

Want to hear the song Charles proposed to Melanie with? https://youtu.be/SGZT5nVKfMs

The Legacy Collection
Book 1: Maid for the Billionaire (FREE on Amazon!)
Book 2: For Love or Legacy
Book 3: Bedding the Billionaire
Book 4: Saving the Sheikh
Book 5: Rise of the Billionaire
Book 6: Breaching the Billionaire: Alethea's Redemption
Book 7: (Novella) A Corisi Christmas

The Andrades:
Book 1: Come Away With Me (FREE on Amazon)
Book 2: Home to Me
Book 3: Maximum Risk
Book 4: Somewhere Along the Way
Book 5: Loving Gigi
Christmas Novella: A Recipe for Love (Maddy and Richard)

The Barrington Billionaires:
Book 1: Always Mine
Book 2: Stolen Kisses
Book 3: Trade It All
Book 3.5: A Billionaire for Lexi
Book 4: Let It Burn
Book 5: More than Love
Book 6: Forever Now
Book 7: Never Goodbye
Book 8: Reluctantly Alpha
Book 9: Reluctantly Rescued
Book 10: Reluctantly Romanced
Book 11: Loving a Landon
Book 12: Loathing a Landon


For a more complete list visit her website at www.ruthcardello.com

Reviews

[Marcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful start to a new series from Ruth Cardello. I love feuding families and all the drama that brings. Bella Holliston and Drew Burke hold the most responsibility in keeping their fathers in line and away from each other. Ruth did an excellent job of making me feel that weight and how much it cost them. I loved that they were both willing to do what it took to take care of their younger siblings, Nora and Brady, when they got word about them spending time together. There was a current of tension between Drew and Bella, but even more so, there was something drawing them together. They complemented each other in the best ways. I adored their journey of getting to know each other better and putting their family’s feud aside. I look forward to more from this series.

[Michelle Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful book and start to this new series, Firebrook Valley. I was so intrigued from the start of this story with the opening scene at The Beacon. I have to say as I was reading, this author is so talented from coming up with The Beacon, Firebrook Valley itself and of course the high tech escape room. The characters also brought this story to life. We have Bella and Drew who are from feuding families running each of their respective companies while at the same time keeping their siblings in line as well as their feuding fathers. It was interesting how the feud was simmering underneath everything going on yet Bella and Drew both went out of their way to make sure that Nora and Brady were taken care of. I loved when they decided to go on their ‘spy mission’ and how for that brief period of time they both just had fun and didn’t have to be ‘on’ all the time. It was a little scary when Drew finds out more about the video and how things have turned and Bella might be in the crosshairs of a grudge and we have our cameos to swoop in and show who really has the power and show those who are planning something nefarious who is watching and has the true power. What a perfect ending for Bella and Drew. I am so looking forward to the next story not only to see what happens next but I want to see more of Firelight Valley and especially Mabel and I’m hoping Bella’s friends Jax and Sloane also make appearances as well. I’ve seen who the next story is about and I believe this series is four books, it has me wondering whose books are coming after the next one. Great story!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so excited for a new series.

I’m so excited for this new series. I always love it when Ms. Cardello begins something new because I know I’ll meet unforgettable characters and become immersed in their stories. Not You is the first in the Firebrook Valley series, and I’m ready to find out how a thirty-year-old grudge between two billionaires will affect each of their children. Drew Burke is summoned to an exclusive and restricted club by none other than his rival, Bella Holliston. What they didn’t anticipate was the explosion between the two of them.

Ruth Cardello creates characters that I can believe in and root for. I loved how she lured Bella and Drew to work together and understand that they are stronger together. Their relationship, while fiery, developed and grew, and I was captivated by their explosive desire and deeply embedded vulnerabilities. I couldn’t wait for them to realize how perfect they were for each other. When a familiar old friend appeared, I was totally there for it. Bringing back one of my most favorite people was the icing on this delectable treat. This book blends emotion, with a hint of suspense, and lots of fun. Once you start reading, you won’t be able to put it down. I can’t wait for the next Firebrook Valley story.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enemies‑to‑lovers + small town drama + billionaire families = I was hooked from page one.

Not You drops you straight into Firebrook Valley, where two powerful families have decades of bad blood and zero interest in playing nice. Enter Drew and Bella—forced to work together even though their families would rather burn the town down than cooperate. Naturally, sparks fly… and then things get messy in the best way.

Drew has that confident, take‑no‑nonsense energy, and Bella is smart, capable, and used to fixing everyone else’s problems—even when her own life is falling apart. Watching them go from reluctant allies to something much more was chef’s kiss. The forced proximity, the tension, the “we should not be doing this” moments? So good.

What really stood out to me was the world‑building. Firebrook Valley feels like a place you actually want to return to, and the family dynamics add layers beyond just the romance. There’s history, secrets, and enough setup to make me very invested in what happens next.

If you love:
✔️ Enemies to lovers
✔️ Small‑town romance with big money energy
✔️ Strong female leads
✔️ Family drama that keeps things interesting
…this one belongs on your TBR.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — and yes, I’ll absolutely be reading the next book.

[Sharon in SF · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a brand new series that features a Haffield and McCoy feud between two billlionaires and the small town of Firestone Valley who benefit from their flexing. Although some of this first story takes place in Firestone Valley, the majority of it happens between New York City where our FMC, Bella Holliston lives and works, and Boston where our MMC, Drew Burke lives and works. The feud between their fathers started decades ago, but the reason remains a secret for now.
As the oldest, Bella has shouldered the weight of protecting her siblings, managing the family business, and covering for her dad when he acts irrationally from time to time. Drew has done the same for his family, but when there's a common threat to their respective younger siblings, they decide to join forces to protect them. Along the way, they uncover surprising and appealing truths about the other.
I loved Drew for Bella, and the safety net he offered to be for her. Also LOVED the cameos from another series that definitely added intrigue to this story!

Thankfully, this book does NOT end on a cliffhanger!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth Cardello’s new series takes us to Firebrook Valley and this is a great opener.
A long standing feud exists between the Burke and Holliston families,both super rich families with children helping out their fathers.
The two billionaire fathers are basically at war with each other, when Bella Holliston gets wind that her brother Brady has been seen with Nora Burke. She gets in touch with Drew Burke to try and smooth it over.
Sparks fly between them,we are introduced to the world of the wealthy a secret club,an amazing escape room game, travel and great fun moments.You will love these two as they delve into an unsuitable relationship.
Can the two of them get past the feuding dads and save their siblings friendship they will need a little help along the way from the all powerful Dominic Corisi.
This is a fantastic start to a new series, a cute couple but with intrigue.As Ruth does so well there is always something going on to learn about what is the feud about and is there more to Firebrook Valley than it seems?
I loved this book and look forward to what is to follow.

[Maritza Galarza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth Cardello as always great new series !! She gives us a feud, angst, friendship, enemies to lovers, and HEA! I LOVE that you brought Dominic Corisi and Althea into the storyline. Amazing escape room scene ❤️❤️. If you haven’t read the Legacy Collection be sure to go out and buy it so worth it!! I have reread so many times I love that series too!

The family feud between Drew & Bella's family makes a great storyline. Conflict and love and siblings protectiveness even how in the end, it works out. The romance is "off the charts" in this book. The escape room chapter designed by Althea (another character from the Legacy Collection) is masterful. You can feel the tension and acceptance that Drew & Bella have with one another and the lengths they would go to protect them.

Ruth's writings are not "one dimensional". Her characters are deep. You love and cry with them and you feel as if you know them personally.
I can't wait until two in the series is available to read. I could not put it down…. Enjoy!!

[Jennifer Artiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the new series, Firebrook Valley, and it is a keeper! Drew and Bella are such a wonderful couple, even though they start off as enemies (sort of). Their families have been feuding for 30 years, with their fathers the instigators and the children dealing with the fallout. When a potential crisis looms, they team up and finally realize they are better together than apart, but she is still hesitant to believe it's real. He is the epitome of patience and understanding. Together they pave the way for the rest of the family to finally allow themselves the chance to be who they want to be, not who their fathers think they should be. I loved seeing Alethea, Dominic and Abby pop in--they are such pivotal characters throughout so many stories and it's great to have them in action again. As always, the character and plot development are epic and the dialogue superb. Highly recommended.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure if I was going to like this story based on how Bella and Drew started out. I discovered that as Bella and Drew got to know one another, I grew to enjoy this couple more and more. This book gave me the sense of a true romance novel, which doesn't seem to happen as often any longer.

I am now completely invested in what was really going on with their fathers. I wanted to know if Brady and Nora were only going to have a brilliant friendship or something more. I was happy to see Dominic, Abby, and Alethea show up in this book. Dominic and Drew's relationship proved to be intriguing. Dominic and Abby's "banter" was enjoyable as usual. Jax and Sloane were such good friends to Bella that I was happy she had some sort of support.

My hope is that we get to see how Drew and Bella's relationship develops further down the road in future books. I can honestly say when I finished this book, it left me smiling.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Hershey Pyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth Cardello has done it again! As always her books are captivating and exciting! This most recent book, Not You, takes the two characters Bella Holliston and Drew Burke from enemies, to friends, to happily ever after. Due to a long-standing feud between their families, Bella has no reason to trust Drew and Drew feels the same. However, Bella invites Drew for a meeting. Bella is compelled to mitigate a situation that affects both families. Due to shared concern for their younger siblings, they agree to meet at a neutral location. The first location involves a High-Tech Escape Room and evolves to a skiing/ spying expedition in Vermont. The more time spent together Bella has to admit that Drew has shaken her control over the situation and over her feelings. Drew realizes that they are not enemies and were never enemies. Not You is the first in a new series called Firebook Valley by Ruth Cardello. I'm sure you'll want to read this book and highly anticipate the next ones.

[Nancy Lauricella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book right after I started reading. I even loved it more when Chapter Five came along and I saw my most favorite character in all of my reading history – Dominic Corisi from (The Legacy Collection). If you have never read this collection, then you must!
The main characters: Drew and Bella, were well represented and you could really get into them; separately and together. Drew was so very patient in his pursuit of his “enemy”. Bella was strong-willed but softened in the end when she realized that Drew was actually right for her. It is a typical small town novel which is always refreshing, even the gossip! I loved the part where Drew and Bella visited Dominic and Abby and also the part where Althea performed one of her greatest escape rooms. This book was enjoyable reading and I can’t wait for the next one; hopefully not too long.
Another great novel Ruthie!

[Anne Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great start to a new series, draws you in right from the first chapter featuring the Burke and Holliston families, whose patriarchs have a very long standing enmity so when their youngest children go off on a skiing trip with university friends, their older siblings Drew Burke and Brenda Holliston decide they need to intervene despite the long standing enmity. Despite their family’s history sparks fly between them, they are helped along the way by a familiar character from a great previous series, Dominic Corisi. A thoroughly enjoyable book with lots of intrigue and an unexpected relationship that has laid a firm foundation for a new series and leaves you looking forward to the next book with anticipation.

[Andrea Oczvirkova · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a video shows Bella’s younger brother with the daughter of her father’s greatest rival, she makes the deal with devil a.k.a. his son to help to protect their siblings.
Drew got summoned into secret club by Bella, the arrogant heiress of his father greatest enemies. He thought, it’s good to get quit pro quo, and invites her into another meeting on secret spot.
But what seems at first as enemy strategy, became something more. After passionate retreat and timing out their unruly fathers, Drew finds out, that behind the scenes, greatest forces are trying to harm them.
Will Bella trust him enough to let him solve it?
We will see in this books few acquittances from another books and it is as ever great pleasure.

[Nancy Ghiloni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firebrook Valley is a new four book series. I love how Ruth intertwines characters from the past (Dominic, Abbey and Alethea). Drew and Bella are two individuals who run their families businesses, handle family issues and protect those they love. Drew's and Bella's fathers have been feuding for decades and will continue to do so unless something is done. This hurts not only those they love but it affects the entire town. Drew and Bella join forces to put an end to it but find they have had strong feelings for one another. They put everything on the line for love.

Ruth has done it again. This will be a great series and I cannot wait for the second book to come out. Absolutely amazing

[Karla D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready to fall in love with Ruth's newest series!!!!

When I started reading "Not You" I was hooked from the start.
Then a surprise appearance by Dominic Corisi then a pop in from the adorable spider robots, and suspense added with Alethea, I felt like I was coming home to a reunion of my favorite people!!!
This new series promises to be as amazing as Ruth's others.
I can not wait until book 2 is released !!
No spoilers, just the highest personal recommendation to read this book !! It will make you laugh and feel for the characters as if they were indeed family.


Then really treat yourself and go and read all of Ruth's wonderful books!! After reading "Not You" I am ready to go back and reread them all for the 3rd time

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Ruth Cardello’s new series, with exciting new characters. The story is set in a small town where two billionaire families have been enemies for a long time. An unexpected episode arises that will surprisingly unsettle the heads of these two families. I don’t want to spoil anything but these new characters are amazing; what I loved most about this book was the secondary presence of Dominic Corisi and his wife. They have been perfectly blended into the story so that is a plus. What else can I say. I loved the struggle and the final surrender of the hero and the heroine and all the romance in between. I’m sure that this is another series that will have a well deserved success!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This enemies to lovers story had me hooked from the beginning. Reading how Bella and Drew navigated their family feud into love was endearing. I love that the author brought back characters Dominic, Abby, and Althea into this story. You don’t have to read previous books to enjoy these characters, it was just great to see them part of this story. I also enjoyed the family protection of younger siblings. It really was a great story with a mix of family rivalry between fathers, sibling protection, and allowing love to conquer all. Another great book by this author. There are a number of new characters mentioned and I can’t wait to read future books in this series.

[Karen Lathbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth’s first book in her new series is a winner. This is the Ruth I love, building strong characters and a compelling story that keeps the reader engaged until the end. Bella summons Drew to inform him of their younger siblings being photographed leaving a party. It wouldn’t be unremarkable except the families have been feuding for 30 years. Their chemistry is immediate and they try to figure out how they can be the ones to mend their father’s dislike of one another. I loved this story, couldn’t read it fast enough. The story paves the way for future books, can’t wait for the next one. Oh and the added bonus of Dominic Corisi being a friend of Drew made it even more exciting.

[Stephanie Villere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not You, book 1 of Ruth Cardello’s new series Firebrook Valley. Back to the mysterious billionaires and the games that they play! What happens when the grown children of two feuding families decide to tempt fate and be together? Lots of fun, silly old men and steamy sexy times! Drew and Bella grew up near each other but have been kept apart because of some long going feud that neither one knows what the actual cause is. They step out to protect their siblings and things become a bit more real than they intended. I love to watch the male and female characters dance around one another and try to pretend that they aren’t head over tails for each other. I enjoyed this book immensely!

[Sujatha Kovilur · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm excited every time a new series begins.
Ruth has started a brand new series, Firebrook Valley, with fascinating characters, kicking off a new intriguing series. Atleast from what I can see from this book.

The chemistry between the two main characters, Drew and Bella, is interesting, to say the least. They start off as enemies, more rivals actually and then go on to become lovers! Drew and Bella were perfect for each other. Perhaps they'll help in bringing the family fued to an end.

Loved reading this book and I can't wait for the series to continue.
Thank you, Ruth, for the ARC.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great new series from Ruth Cardello. It appears that her imagination has no bounds. In this first book of the series, we meet Bella and her two BFFs - Sloane and Jax, as different as night and day but committed in their love for Bella. Along comes Drew from the family which has had a long-time feud with Bella's family. The chemistry between Bella and drew is hot, hot, hot, from the very beginning but they are both dealing with the family feud and trying to protect their younger siblings. They agree to a fake engagement, which of course ultimately turns into a real one, with lots of passion and spice along the way. I am eagerly looking forward to the Firebrook Valley Book 2!!

[Marie Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this new series! Drew and Bella are children of two wealthy men who have had a feud for thirty years. They make a scheme to protect their younger siblings and by telling their fathers that they are in a relationship and they can take it or leave it. Well, as time goes on, their fake relationship turns into one that grows until they can no longer deny their feelings. This story brings in to it, two of my favorite characters, Dominic and Abby Corisi. I love how Ruth is able to bring relationships from other story lines to new ones. This is a must read to find out how these two strong personalities bring out the best in each other! Can't wait for the second book!

[Tina-Marie Monterroza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drew Burke and Bella completely took over my brain.

He walks in confident, ready to test limits.
She’s the fixer—the one who always has a plan… until him.

And the fact that their families have decades of bad blood? That tension is baked into every interaction.

Favorite moments:
— “We shouldn’t trust each other.”
— “Then don’t.”
— trust happens anyway

What I loved most is that this isn’t just attraction—it’s conflict layered with loyalty, history, and impossible choices.

You feel the weight of what they’re risking every time they get closer.

And when they finally cross that line?
Yeah… I was gone.

[Liz Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fabulous read and start of a new series by Ruth. A great enemies to lovers vibe due to aiding their siblings.

Drew and Bella spend time together in order to protect their siblings from both their powerful fathers, who have a 30 year old conflict and reside in the small town of Firebrook Valley.

A plus in this first story is the appearance of Dominic Corisi, who turns out to be a friend of Drew. Needless to say, Dominic helps Drew and Bella through a problem, and Bella befriends Abby.

I loved the banter between the main characters, and the trust that they had to gain in each other, while navigating through an escape room.

Congratulations Ruth on yet another outstanding story.

[Manisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE a new series from one of my all-time favorite authors! I received Ruth Cardello's newest novel as part of her ARC team, and I couldn't put it down. This was another book I had to slow down reading because I didn't want it to end.

I love the enemies-to-lovers take on Bella and Drew's generation-long family feud. Each character was fully developed way beyond surface level and exactly what I have come to expect. This romance is exceptional once you get through the beginning of the enemies and you could totally finish this as a quick read. I just took longer because I loved the story so much. Can't wait for the next book of the series!!

[Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth Cardello has done it again. She has started a new series with with two feuding billionaire families but there is something comforting about the fact she weaves some previous characters from previous series in this new one. Bella’s father and Drew’s father have been feuding for years and Bella and Drew thought they were enemies because of their fathers, but soon realized they might have feelings with each other. A true enemy to friends genre, this story had it all. A slow burn romance, a fake affair and engagement that became real made this story a fun wonderful read.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not You is a great start to a new series. Once again Ruth Cardello has hit it out of the park. The plot, the Couple falling in love, and the secondary characters are all an A Plus. Drew is such an alpha but not in a bossy, overbearing way. He calmly let Bella know he was there for her in all the ways that counted. The romance by this man is off the charts but in a subtle, lovely manner. Having Dominic and Abby Corisi show up once again reminds me why Dominic is one of my all time favorite heroes in romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

[Kathy Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firebrook Valley is a brand new series from Ruth Cardello and the first book, Not You is a winner in my eyes. Drew and Bella’s families have been enemies as long as they can remember and no one is exactly sure why. Drew and Bella end up working together to protect their younger siblings and try to get to the root of why this feud has gone on so long and before you know sparks begin to fly between the two. With visits from some old friends made from other series, it made for a warm, fun and romantic story.

[Janice Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drew and Bella come from families that have been enemies for longer than they have been alive, but outside forces are threatening those families and they work together to protect them. Their story offers a fresh perspective of how two strong individuals learn how to trust each other and decide to put each other first above everyone and everything. It has humor, romance and a visit from old friends, Dominic Corisi and his wife Abby and Althea. This new series promises to be every bit as good as all the others written by Ruth Cardello and I can’t wait for the next installment.

[Christine Jalili · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It’s a fun and sexy book. There’s a long standing feud between Drew’s Dad and Bella’s Dad. Loved their first two private meetings between Drew and Bella, the author had such great imagination and I loved what happened. As they try to intercept a video with their younger sibling’s, I loved the way they shocked their families. But are they falling for each other? I really loved their happy ever after too. I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy and I highly recommend this book.